WILD HEARTS

In the UK we are lucky enough to have beautiful native horses and ponies roaming our land. Some of the Native breeds originate from particular regions across the UK & Ireland and roam in semi-wild herds that are accustomed to their particular environments. They graze in harsh, vast landscapes where hill farmers with commoner’s rights are custodians of these breeds. They care for them, protect them, ensuring their safety, health and continuing the long line of ancient gene pools continue for these native breeds to thrive and be healthy. Other native breeds are traditional workhorses with a long history of working alongside men from agriculture to industry over the years.

Sadly, some of these native ponies are in danger of becoming extinct. Their environments are changing, from intensive agriculture, expansive building, fencing off vast areas of moorland which restricts grazing, lack of interest in native breeds from horse enthusiasts, hill farmers whose families have farmed their land for many generations are unable to pass down their farms to new generations due to financial pressures and changes to farming legislation by DEFRA and Natural England’s policies in farming stewardship schemes. All these elements are diminishing the likelihood of a future in the wild for our rare native breeds.

I’m passionate about our rare native breeds and the natural habitats they live in. I have loved every minute of creating this wonderful personal project. I hope that Wild Hearts will raise the profile of our native breeds who have grazed and shaped our land for hundreds of years – some of which are facing possible extinction.

At a time when our world is fragile and in need of great change and care from us all. I believe it’s so important to cherish all our environments, nature and animals.

With a passionate message of conservation at its heart, the project’s aim is to show people the heart and soul of these wonderful breeds and to encourage people to support these vulnerable breeds, either by protecting them in their natural environment or by buying a registered pony; a step which could help save these rare breeds

Please feel free to look at a selection of photographs from my project so far, below.